When buying clothing for your child to wear to childcare, it is important that you
consider the safety and practical aspects as well as clothes that are comfortable, easy to pull on and off for toilet training and garments that offer sun protection.
Many toddlers have their first school or childcare experience around the age of two. This may mean daily daycare while mom and dad work, or just a few hours a day at a mother’s day out program. Regardless, the clothes a child wears to these settings can have a significant impact on everything from their general level of happiness, all the way to their safety and comfort.
When choosing clothes for a toddler who will be attending a daycare program of any type, there are a few tips parents can follow to make the best choices.
- Layers: Keep the temperature in mind. It’s often cooler in the morning and warms up throughout the day so layers are essential. Layering shirts, or including a light sweater or jacket can be a good way for parents to account for temperature variations.
- Practical shoes: Footwear shouldn’t be selected on how cute or stylish it is. Save this for special occasions. Instead, parents should choose footwear that is comfortable, and has a non-slip bottom in case of spills or accidents. It’s also best to avoid sandals that make playing difficult.
- Sun protection: Most kids get to spend time outside so it’s important that parents choose clothing that will offer sun protection. Natural fibres are your best bet, such as lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirts. Parents can also pack a hat or even sunglasses in their toddler’s bag for extra sunny days. Remember to label all of the items your child takes to daycare.
- Safety: Avoid potentially dangerous items on clothing including ribbons and drawstrings .
- Consider stains: Dress children for daycare with the idea that they will damage their clothing. Clothes will get dirty, grubby and stained so don’t put your children in their best clothes.
- Comfort: Choose comfortable fabrics. Cotton is best because it is natural, soft and breathes. There is nothing worse than itchy scratchy fabric.
- Toilet training: If your child is currently potty training, or in diapers, keep this in mind when dressing them for daycare. Choose clothes with an elastic waist that are easy for teachers to take on and off throughout the day. Sweatpants, track pants, leggings and yoga pants are great daycare options. This not only makes it easier on the child, but also the teachers, throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to avoid skirts and dresses for girls, because they can hamper her ability to enjoy playtime with the other kids.
